Popular US-based Kenyan nurse and digital creator, Nurse Judy, has revealed she is considering surrogacy in Kenya to expand her family. The healthcare professional, known for her engaging social media presence, shared the update with her followers on Instagram a few days ago.
The decision comes as she seeks to fulfil a long-held dream of having a large family. After attempting to conceive last year, she has now turned her sights toward alternative options to welcome a third child.
A Quest for a Larger Family
Nurse Judy, who is a registered nurse in the United States, has been open about her desire for more children. She recently explained her motivation to her audience on Instagram Stories.
“I really want a 3rd baby. I always wanted 4 babies,” she shared.
She further disclosed that her previous attempts to expand her family naturally did not go as planned.
“Last year I tried conceiving and I actually was hoping for twins,” she noted, before adding, “I’m considering surrogacy.”
Despite living and working in the American healthcare system, Nurse Judy is looking back to her home country for the procedure. The primary driver behind this choice appears to be the significant financial burden associated with surrogacy in the United States.
In the US, surrogacy costs are notoriously high, often ranging between £80,000 and £160,000. These fees cover medical expenses, legal contracts, and surrogate compensation.
Nurse Judy was candid about these financial hurdles.
“But I guess I will explore this option in Kenya cz I know If I try it in America it’s gonna be hella expensive,” she stated.
Seeking Knowledge on the Ground
While she is keen on the idea, Nurse Judy admitted she is still in the information-gathering stage. She turned to her followers to understand the logistical and legal landscape of surrogacy in Kenya.
In a series of questions, she asked: “Do you guys know the process on how to go about it in Kenya?”. She also expressed a need for financial clarity, asking for a “cost estimate?”
Beyond the finances, the nurse raised concerns regarding the legal rights of the surrogate mother in Kenya. Using a mix of English and Swahili, she inquired about the possibility of a surrogate refusing to hand over the child.
She asked: “and mama anaeza katalia na mtoto btw?” This translates to asking if the surrogate mother can refuse to release the baby after birth.
Currently, Kenya does not have a specific law governing surrogacy. While the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Bill has been discussed in Parliament for several years, it has yet to be formally enacted into law.
In the absence of specific legislation, surrogacy is typically managed through private legal contracts. However, the legal parentage of the child often requires a court process or adoption after the birth to ensure the intended parents are recognised as the legal guardians.
